50th anniversary of Surgeon General's report on smoking

PRINCETON, W. Va (WVVA)-- As you know, a smoking habit is a costly one-- both on your health and your wallet.

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Surgeon General's report detailing the health impact of smoking.

Over the last 50 years, the number of those who smoke has been cut in half, but doctors say that's not enough.

In West Virginia, the number of those who light up a cigarette is 7% higher than the national average.

Area doctor Vishnu Patel says it may be very difficult to quit, but it's worth saving your health and potentially, your life.

"The patient really has to make a strong effort [to quit]," said Dr. Patel, M.D.. "If somebody's going to use a patch, that doesn't really mean they're going to quit smoking. So they have to realize the complications, they have to put forth the effort for themselves.

If you're looking for help kicking a smoking habit, you can call toll-free phone lines to get started.

If you live in West Virginia, the tobacco-free help line is 877.966.8784. In Virginia, call 877.222.8387.

MONTCALM HIGH IS ADDING AN INTERNATIONAL, STUDENT-LED ORGANIZATION TO ITS SCHOOL. KEY CLUB IS THE WORLD'S LARGEST SERVANT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS... ... SPONSORED BY THE KIWANIS ORGANIZATION. MONTCALM HELD A BANQUET THIS EVENING TO KICK OFF THE ESTABLISHING OF THE SCHOOL'S CHAPTER CHARTER. REGIONAL KIWANIS LT. GOVERNOR, NATHAN NICHOLS... ... SAYS THIS CLUB OFFERS NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO LEARN ABOUT COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP. MONTCA...More >>

MONTCALM HIGH IS ADDING AN INTERNATIONAL, STUDENT-LED ORGANIZATION TO ITS SCHOOL. KEY CLUB IS THE WORLD'S LARGEST SERVANT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS... ... SPONSORED BY THE KIWANIS ORGANIZATION. MONTCALM HELD A BANQUET THIS EVENING TO KICK OFF THE ESTABLISHING OF THE SCHOOL'S CHAPTER CHARTER. REGIONAL KIWANIS LT. GOVERNOR, NATHAN NICHOLS... ... SAYS THIS CLUB OFFERS NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO LEARN ABOUT COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP. MONTCA...More >>

If you're new to the workforce, or about to enter it, consider web-searching " soft skills" before that job interview. Many job recruiters and work-assistant agencies throughout the country are emphasizing soft skills.

If you're new to the workforce, or about to enter it, consider web-searching " soft skills" before that job interview. Many job recruiters and work-assistant agencies throughout the country are emphasizing soft skills.